Tambo Colorado: The Hidden Inca Treasure in the Peruvian Desert
Tambo Colorado is one of Peru’s best-preserved Inca sites, located near the town of Pisco in the heart of the coastal desert. Often overlooked by tourists, this stunning adobe complex offers a rare glimpse into Inca architecture adapted to the coastal climate, featuring vibrant red, white, and yellow walls that have defied the centuries. Originally an administrative and military centre, Tambo Colorado is a must-see for history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, and anyone eager to step off the beaten path and into a vivid chapter of Incan legacy. Its easy access, serene desert setting, and unique structure make it a top destination for cultural travellers looking for authenticity, beauty, and a deeper understanding of Peru’s pre-Columbian past.
Top Highlights
- Explore one of the best-preserved Inca sites along Peru’s coastal desert.
- Admire original red, white, and yellow adobe walls still visible after centuries.
- Discover Inca architecture adapted uniquely to desert climate conditions.
- Enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded site ideal for history and archaeology lovers.
- Travel in comfort with a private or group tour tailored to your interests.
Tour Level: Easy (suitable for all ages).
Departure: Anytime from 8:00 am until 1:00pm.
Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Tour Type: Cultural / Historical / Archaeological.
Service Type: Private or small group service.
Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel at the scheduled time, departing from Paracas towards Tambo Colorado, located around 1.5 hours away. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking desert landscapes, rural scenes, and traditional Andean villages. We will make a few scenic stops, including a view of the fascinating “Sand Dragon” carved naturally into the mountain near Humay. Tambo Colorado is one of the best-preserved Inca sites on the Peruvian coast, yet remains off the typical tourist trail, offering a deeper look into local rural life and authentic Peruvian culture. Upon arrival, we’ll explore both the upper sector and the main courtyard of the site, where original red and yellow adobe walls still stand proudly. A guided tour of approximately one hour will uncover the site’s fascinating history, followed by a visit to the small but informative on-site museum. Before returning to Paracas, we will pass through the city of Pisco for a brief optional visit. The tour concludes back at your hotel, offering a complete and enriching cultural experience in the Ica region.
Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Paracas or nearby).
- Private or group transport with a professional driver.
- Guided tour with a specialist in Inca archaeology (1 hour approx).
- Visit to the on-site museum.
- Scenic stops along the route (including Sand Dragon viewpoint).
- An optional stop in the city of Pisco.
- Bottled water.
Not Included:
- Entrance fee (S/.5 soles or USD $1.5.00 – cash only).
- Food and drinks.
- Tips (optional).
Note:
The entrance fees is not included in the tour price and must be paid directly in cash or card at the control point, in Peruvian soles.
✅ Allowed:
- Taking photos and videos (without flash inside the museum).
- Bringing water bottles.
- Wearing comfortable clothing and sun protection.
- Asking questions to the guide during the tour.
- Accessing both upper and inner areas of the site under supervision.
❌ Not Allowed:
- Climbing or touching archaeological walls and structures.
- Entering restricted or closed-off areas.
- Consuming food or drinks inside the archaeological zone.
- Littering or removing stones or artefacts.
- Use of drones without prior official permission.
🎒 What to Bring:
- Cash in soles for entrance fee.
- Sunglasses, hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Comfortable clothes for warm and windy conditions.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Light snacks (optional).
- Windbreaker or light jacket (optional – coastal breeze).
Pick up will be at your hotel within Paracas and Pisco, where our staff will welcome you and assist you. Please be ready at your hotel lobby at least 20 minutes before your selected departure time to ensure a smooth and timely start.
All travellers must provide a valid WhatsApp number during booking or confirmation so we can stay in touch for any last-minute updates, meeting instructions, or emergencies.
This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martín Port, as the timings and logistics do not match cruise schedules. Please note that this is a land-based tour with fixed departure times and we are unable to offer custom pickups from the port.
For the best experience, we recommend this tour for visitors who are staying overnight or arriving independently in Paracas and Pisco.
Your tour is confirmed immediately upon booking, and you will receive an official confirmation by email or WhatsApp. We accept all major credit and debit cards and offer secure online payment options for your convenience.
You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time at no additional cost. If you fail to show up on the day of the tour (No Show), no refunds or rescheduling will be offered.
We are committed to providing flexibility and transparency, ensuring your experience in Paracas is enjoyable, safe, and fair under all circumstances.
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